SEA FOOD SLEUTH

To pay his mortgage, this Los Angeles detective collars crooks.
To indulge his passion, he cruises with cooks.
Tag along as Chris Cognac, TV's The Hungry Detective, savors flavors at sea.

Detective’s Log

Suspect: Norwegian Cruise Line
Charge: "Clowns" are in the kitchen and some bartenders are downright "chilly."
Evidence: Check out the new Norwegian Epic's Spiegel Tent restaurant and Ice Bar
Verdict: Guilty (of culinary innovations)

The Case

Epic-urean Culinary Capers

As you're reading this magazine, Norwegian Cruise Line is welcoming to its fleet a ship of epic attributes, especially when it comes to pleasures of the palate. Not only is the food great on the innovative Norwegian Epic, dining is a real adventure — and a whole lot of fun.

Start off your evening with an ice-cold drink at the ice-cold Ice Bar. Ice is nice, as you will discover on Norwegian Epic. Basically, designers took a great big chunk of ice and carved a bar out of it. (I know it's a bit more complex than that, but work with me, people.) Tables, chairs, and even glasses are made of ice, all kept at a nippy 17 degrees Fahrenheit.

Next, warm up to a luscious filet mignon at Cirque Dreams & Dinner under a traditional circus Spiegel Tent. As you savor your meal, enjoy the acrobats, aerialists, and jugglers all around you. Drop your napkin? Don’t worry. Your waiter may well be a professional contortionist!

Based on the evidence I've gathered so far, I'm comfortable reporting that this new ship's dining options truly are epic — no clowning around!